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Submitted by
lpriddy
a Downhiller
from merthyrDate Reviewed: September 26, 2010
Strengths: fox vanilla,grips,strong frameWeaknesses: forksBottom Line: oritee FR bike too spongey for DH will bottom out 4 out of 10
Favorite Trail: webbers trail (avan agoed)
Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At: my freind
Similar Products Used: mondraker dune ,giant ac team, gt ruckus fx
Bike Setup: bomber jr 03 forks mavic 521 rims fax vanilla tioga factory 2.50
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Fuzzy dud dude
a Downhiller
from danville CADate Reviewed: August 11, 2009
Strengths: the 7 inches of travel is godly. Before buying this bike I had been using hardtails but when I got this bike my skill went up a lot. Beleive me you will be doing way crazier stuff with this bike than you ever have before.Weaknesses: kind of heavy (over 40 lbs) but compared to a new giant glory its actually very light. Also the vanilla rc doesnt feel very plush but maybe thats just due to the fact that it is 6 years old. Im planning on buying a dhx 5.0 or marzocchi roco tst coilBottom Line: This bike is great for downhill or free riding. Ive taken it to northstar and It got me through just about anything. whether it be jumps drops or technical rock gardens this bike will push through it. The bike is geared pretty low, which is good for climbing, the weight on the other hand makes climbs difficult. You WILL have to swallow your pride and walk up some hills but its all worth it coming down. But really, how many hills are you actually gunna go up? If your buying this bike chances are you can get a ride to the top
Favorite Trail: devils elbow to prospectors gap
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: craigslist
Similar Products Used: 05 Kona coiler
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Marrick
a Downhiller
from newcastle, englandDate Reviewed: July 14, 2007
Strengths: forks
absorbs every bump
very hard to fall off
amazing ride
perfect downhill bike
most of the bike!Weaknesses: travel plates cracked
bottom bracked snapped
bearings in front wheel went
bearings in peddles disintegrated
heavy
Bottom Line: this is an amazing bike, can handle allmost anything you throw at it. if you are a downhill rider and enjoy big jumps, this is the bike for you!, but it isnt ideal for uphills. if you take care of the bike, it will take care of you:)
Favorite Trail: hollywell dene
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Similar Products Used: bighit
kona stuff
gt chucker
iron horse aniki
Bike Setup: halo sas rims
boxxer forks
fox vannila shock
2004 frame
hope m4 front brake
dmr v8 peddles
emro chain guide
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
william
a
from oregon cityDate Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Bottom Line: s
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from st.cath ontario canadaDate Reviewed: December 1, 2005
Strengths: strong frame unbreakableWeaknesses: top shock bolts bend to easyBottom Line: this bike is great u can ride it up hills u can race w/ it and freeride the frame can take big hits but not the swing arms and the shock bolts ive crack a pair of swing arms hucking a 20 footer and the shocks have to be changed frequently u hav to carry some around on u so u can change them as they start to bend nut everything else is great on this bike one of the best freeride bikes i hav owned
Favorite Trail: highway
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At: liberty bikes
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
cam
a
from hamilton, massachusettsDate Reviewed: May 31, 2005
Strengths: strong, light, and is holding up very wellWeaknesses: springs in fork are too soft (im 5foot6, 130 pounds)
tires wear very fast but grip anything
Bottom Line: buy this bike if your into the freeriding with the occasional downhill race. if all you do is shred downhill or do 20foot+ drops, buy a stab
Favorite Trail: lynn woods
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At: bay road bikes
Similar Products Used: santa cruz bullit
mountain cycle shockwave 9.5
Bike Setup: jr-t
irc kujo tires
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham,WA,United StatesDate Reviewed: March 2, 2005
Strengths: bombproof frame, great looks, good components, great price, what else can i say excep for good job on this one kona.Weaknesses: seat tube pivot points creak everytime they get dry but its a simply fix.Bottom Line: this is a great freeride/downhill bike, it tears up rock gardens, handles 30+ foot drops like a simole 3ft loading dock. in my opinion every freerider should have one of these kona stinkys in there garage.
Favorite Trail: clownshoes
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At: Jacks
Similar Products Used: banshee scream,stinky, stinky-primo, stab, stab primo, stinky nine....u get the point.
Bike Setup: stock 2003 stinky dee-lux
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Peter F.
a Downhiller
from Pelham Mass, United StatesDate Reviewed: February 8, 2005
Strengths: EXTREMELY strong frameWeaknesses: Warranty is only 1 yearBottom Line: I use this bike on 8-17 ft. drops. Ive even dropped 10 feet to flat, and it was fine. as for Johns Remkis' 4-6 ft. drops, he must have loose linkage bolts, as this bike takes those drops like they are just curbs.
Favorite Trail: Life Support
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Ebay
Similar Products Used: 2004 stinky primo
Bike Setup: stock exept for some new Shimano Saint components
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from VancouverDate Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Strengths: Frame, all of the components except....Weaknesses: chain stay hits front derailer (swap it, get a guide), pedals (blew in 1 month), grips, saddle, rockers hit the qr seat clamp on sm & med framesBottom Line: Off the rack this is a great bike: with the 8" fork and a few personal preferences this bike is amazing. It replaces my old 5"rear travel Stinky and is completely different. Actually pedals BETTER. This is NOT a "freeride" bike. The bike is a little slack for climbing and on the flats but point it down and it flies. My riding has gone to a whole new level; the 888 has pulled me through stuff I thought I could never get through. The tires really surprised me; they roll well and offer gobs of grip in the wet & dry. 5 chilis for my setup - 4 for the stock bike
Favorite Trail: all the North Shore
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At: Bike shop
Similar Products Used: '01 Stinky Dee-lux w/ '02 Super T
Bike Setup: XL frame (19"), Mar 888r, XT short cage, SST saddle, NS-1 chain guide, ODI lock-ons, Mich. comp 24 r. tire
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
PETE
a
from LA, CA, USADate Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Strengths: THE WHOLE BIKE! I know its only 1 month but I owned a Bear Dee-Lux for 2 yrs and it never failed or gave me a hard time once. So i'm expecting the same here. Kona is a kick ass bike co. I recomend them highly, they got their $hit together! Yeah some parts aren't the best but last long enough to pay for themselves. Doesn't everybody mention price, Yeah the price point is great.Weaknesses: none so far.. I will be checking in down the road with more rides.Bottom Line: IT WILL MAKE YOU FASTER.. no kidding! BUTTER-CADILLIC RIDE handles like a dream. Point and Shoot, it will go and not hesitate. I got a trail full of 2 an 3 foot drops with great rythm sections along with tight switch-back it feels like I'm riding down a bike path. jagged rocks, rutted trail and big roots no problem the bike eats them for breakfast, did a couple 4 ft drops and it didn't flinch or act up. can't wait to find some bigger stuff and crazier lines. also great for urban riding big stair jumps and such. yeah uphill fire roads are no fun but do-able, climbs techincal stuff way better than expected and better then most of my older bikes. with the heavy front end it doesn't lift in climbs at all. wheelies easily with a simple tug and doesn't feel unbalanced. Great rake on the forks not too little not too much to add flex. A little heavy for long epic trial rides but don't mind and prefer to ride this beast over other bikes. I am 6' and 210 lbs. Yes I will push the beast uphill and don't mind the xc rider's laughs because I know that I will be at the bottom of the ride waiting for at least 10 minutes for their soar slow arses! hey, get a full set of pads you will need them with this bike because you will start doing stuff crazier then you are use too. I can't wait to get to the bigger drops and gaps. There is a reason why hardtails are going away, and more and more bike makers are using free ride / downhill set ups on new epic ride rigs. If your not racing xc and serious about supension Kona has got one of the best bikes in every catagory of ride styles. My next bike will be another Kona and I am not planning on getting a bike until this one is worn out and I really don't see that happening very soon if ever.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At: WHEEL WORLD
Similar Products Used: demo-ed other bit hitters but nothing long term.
Bike Setup: stock - will be adding chain guide and larger 2nd ring
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
James Hall
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocklin, CADate Reviewed: April 13, 2004
Strengths: Overall setup. This bike is dialed in from the start, just fine tune personal preferences.Weaknesses: None, it is De-Lux.Bottom Line: This bike is "Da Bomb" or should I say Bomb Proof. The Ideal go anywhere and have fun bike! Who cares if you have to push anyhow? It's not about going uphill that matters. It can climb up hills, but it's gravity that makes this bike put a grin on your face!
Favorite Trail: Northstar & Downieville
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At: Wheel World
Similar Products Used: I tried a few other bikes, but this one was just right the moment I rode it.
Bike Setup: Stock, Love seat, heavy springs in JrT and just upgraded to King headset and Super T cartridge. Gazza Jr 2.6s
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
james howard
a Cross Country Rider
from northumberland, ukDate Reviewed: January 4, 2004
Strengths: Dialled handling. Downhill ability. Strength.Weaknesses: Weight. Runs through its travel too easy. Seatpost QR/cable hanger foul shock linkage. Rear hub is dire.Bottom Line: I've had the stinky a while now, so I reckon I know her pretty well. I love the chunky old girl to bits. My free riding had kinda stagnated with hardtails, so I took the suspension plunge and have just watched new lines open up. The geometry on the stinky is so good, big drops and really steep stuff are just no worries. Even on long trail rides I often pick the stinky over my hardtail - yeah she's slow going up, but heading down makes it all worth while. Just a few things though... I do fing the fox runs through its travel a bit too easy (like on 4ft drops) - I don't think its damping can cope with the high leverage ratio of the linkage - and that's on full compression damping and running hardly any sag. Neither progressive or linnear shock positiom seems to help really. And by the way, I'm not a lard arse - just 175lb. Maybe a 5th Element would help matters. On a similar subject - why did Kona put out the bkie with the seatpost QR and Cable tidy fouling the rocker arm? How lame is that? Clunk clunk every drop. I've since replaced the QR with a Hope one (turned to the front of the tube, with the lever vertical) and junked the cable collar. Do the same, 'cos one of the beauties of the bike is being able to actually pedal the thing, then drop the sadle when you get to the gnarly stuff, so fitting a allen key seat collar would be a mistake.
The bottom line? Well, I can climb technical trails better than my hartail (but fireroads are a drag), drops are well balanced (but the shock bottoms too easy) and technical descents (and I do mean technical)are just made too easy. The main problem is you start doing some pretty dangerous stuff with this little puppy... buy one if you do big stuff but need to pedal there.
Favorite Trail: Innerleithen/Glentress
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At: Wades Cycles
Similar Products Used: First big travel bike.
Bike Setup: As stock but with a Super T fork (swapped for the Junior at purchase - £1900 all in!!!) and Hope seatpost QR. Will be binning the lame rear hub soon.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from AdelaideDate Reviewed: January 1, 2004
Strengths: Frame, Overall component specWeaknesses: Rear hub, top shock boltBottom Line: Used and abused 2-3 times a week all year and she is still going strong. Cassette body died but it is a cheap hub anyway. Kona isn't the only company to use this cheap ass hub on their bikes. Lots off mates who have blown identical hubs up. I have bent the top shock bolt a couple of times but I have cased stuff pretty bad and it's probably the cheapest part on the bike. I added a chain device with a 32 tooth ring and it is much better. Might change it for a 38 when it wears out. The bike still feels very well balanced and doesn't have that "been thrashed" feeling even though it's been ridden hard all year. I've done 20 foot gaps on it and it doesn't flinch. Bottom line, a very happy Kona customer. They ain't cheap but I haven't had to replace anything except a 20 dollar cassette body all year and compared to the competition they ain't that expensive.
Favorite Trail: Tank
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At: Star Cycles
Similar Products Used: Lots
Bike Setup: Standard except, V12 pedals, Maxxis Minion tyres, Chain Device
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mad Max siebert
a Downhiller
from Missoula, Montana , USADate Reviewed: December 15, 2003
Strengths: Every thing. this bike is just like the sherman tank. Takes landings like curbs soaks up everything you throw atWeaknesses: back shock is a little stiff, but i have a pretty stiff spring so basically nothing.Bottom Line: This bike is the Sh*t, Soaks up the landings feels like butter on the trail, yet stiff enough to handle tight rythm sections. So far iv been extreamly happy with this bike. If hit alot of drops on the stinky deelux cased a 9 footer but the bike just soaked it up.
Bottom line get the money and by the bike.
Favorite Trail: skid navy skid
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At: Bike Works
Similar Products Used: Stinky, stinky primo, bullet, switch so on.
Bike Setup: Stock iv got the 2004 stinky im getting a super T up front and some arrow 3.0 tires eventually
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
ICEMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from SydneyDate Reviewed: November 25, 2003
Bottom Line: This is my third review....and will count as my 1yr update, overall the bike has been great and is great value but the following has been the problems that i have encountered with the bike: The cranks arnt really up to the big hit stuff, i have stripped the thread on one side at the pedal mount, and yes i do make sure they are tight, the bike shop fixed it on warrenty but this is a warning to make sure the pedals are tight and you will have to helicoil when they strip or buy some cromo cranks, note that the primo has cromo cranks which leads me to think the factory knows, next the RC shock came out of adjustment, the blue knob wouldnt wind back in and the bike shop had to send the shock away and it came back ok..but wasnt really the same. I think here be careful of adjusting the knobs right out as there might be a weakness in them. Apart from those two problems the bike is a monster....i love going on some small XC rides and doing some drops and having fun, as the XC boys stand on the pegs and watch me go past them at a million miles an hour over the rough stuff....oh my other bike is a blur which is a great bike as well. These two bikes are all i need in life :-)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At: Sydney
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